Harrelson in scuffle with photographer

Actor Woody Harrelson is under investigation after allegedly assaulting a photographer outside a Hollywood nightclub.

The A Prairie Home Companion star was leaving well-known celebrity haunt Element when a group of paparazzi started taking pictures.

After asking them to stop, Harrelson walked up to photographer Josh Levine, put his hand on the camera and said: "I've asked you to stop, are you going to stop?"

Levine responded, "Not when you ask me like that". A scuffle then ensued, and the photographer later visited a hospital for treatment for neck lacerations.

Speaking to TMZ, the actor's publicist commented: "Unfortunately, this is not the first or last time the paparazzi have provoked an incident with a celebrity. Mr Harrelson is evaluating all of his legal options against the photographer."

Vandalism and assault and battery charges could be made against the actor after Levine filed a complaint with the Los Angeles Police Department and submitted a tape of the incident. Detective John Padilla remarked: "With the tapes and all, it's pretty good evidence."